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NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 05: Former NBA player Charles Barkley speaks during a press conference prior to Game Four of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators at the Bridgestone Arena on June 5, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
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NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 05: Former NBA player Charles Barkley speaks during a press conference prior to Game Four of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators at the Bridgestone Arena on June 5, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
Is it really the end for our favorites on TNT? Sir Charles’ retirement announcement from broadcasting was enough to dampen fans’ spirits. It turns out another NBA legend-turned-broadcaster has hinted towards leaving the network along with Charles Barkley. The broadcasting veteran in question is none other than Reggie Miller, who signed an extension very recently. While he stated that he respects Barkley for handling the situation in his own way, Miller shared that he, too, is unaware of the happenings at the TNT headquarters at the moment.
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This convoluted scenario might lead him to leave the network earlier than he intended. However, nothing is confirmed yet. “First of all, let me say this. This could be retirement for all of us at Turner Network next year,” Reggie Miller said on The Dan Patrick Show. Saying the latest developments regarding the NBA TV rights were way above his paygrade, he revealed that everyone on the network, including Miller, is “in the dark“.
Comparing the situation to a close game in the NBA, the Indiana Pacers legend hopes that the network pulls off something at the last minute. While he hopes for a resolution, Miller is ready to go out with a bang. “Whatever happens at our network… if this is my last year at Turner as well, we’re gonna have fun and go out with a bang.”
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As per most reports, the NBA is close to finalizing a $76 billion worth deal with Amazon, ESPN, and NBC for the broadcasting rights beginning in the 2025-26 season. As Miller stated, TNT heads are trying to get something out of this deal after fan backlash. Whether they’re successful in doing so remains to be seen. But even without these TV rights, Miller leaving the network seems like a long shot.
In February this year, Miller also signed a multiyear renewal deal. “I’ve been lucky enough to have two constants in my adult life: 18 years with the Indiana Pacers and 19+ years with TNT Sports. Excited to be back and proud to be part of this amazing TEAM, let’s keep chasing history together,” Miller said on TNT. The 5x NBA All-Star has been part of the network for more than 19 years, while the Phoenix Suns legend himself has completed more than two decades with the company. But the question is whether he also has the same clause in the contract as Barkley.
Reggie Miller suggests the reason behind Charles Barkley’s retirement
Just last year, Charles Barkley signed a 10-year deal with the network, but with a clause that allows him to walk out if basketball is no longer part of it. Is it the same for Miller time? His conversation with Patrick might indicate that his contract does have some clause. Nonetheless, like numerous fans and onlookers, the Indiana Pacers legend stated that he, too, was stunned to hear about Chuck’s retirement plans.
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MANHATTAN, NY – CIRCA 1990’s: Guard Reggie Miller #31 of the Indiana Pacers is guarded closely by John Starks #3 of the New York Knicks circa mid 1990’s during an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York. Miller played for the Pacers from 1987-05. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Regarding Barkley’s action, he believes it was to shut down the rumors of him joining other networks. “I think Charles is getting ahead of the game. He wanted to set the record straight. And good for him… He’s not going to let other people dictate what he wants to do,” the analyst said about the Philadelphia 76ers legend.
Miller also discussed the reasons and motivation behind Chuck’s sudden announcement that shook the NBA world. While revealing his retirement plans with his fans, Barkley made it clear that he has no interest in joining any network other than TNT. However, the situation has certainly left Chuck and others at the network in jeopardy. Is this the end of the fans’ long-cherished show?
Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.
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Edited by
Pragya Vashisth